Village on lockdown as police hunt 'crossbow killer' in Yorkshire

'We don’t know how he will react if challenged, so do not approach him. Call 999 and leave it to us'

Anthony Lawrence is wanted by Humberside Police in connection with the murder of Shane Gilmer and attempted murder of Laura Sugden (Humberside Police)

Police have placed a Yorkshire village on lockdown as they hunt a suspected crossbow killer wanted for the murder of a man and the attempted murder of a pregnant woman.

The victims have been revealed as Shane Gilmer, 30, and his girlfriend Laura Sugden, who were at their home in Southburn, a village near Driffield, 20 miles north of Hull, when they were attacked on Friday.

The pair were rushed to hospital where Mr Gilmer died on Saturday as a result of his injuries. Ms Sugden and her unborn baby remain in a stable condition.

The suspect has been revealed as Mr Gilmer’s neighbour Anthony Lawrence, who Humberside Police believe shot the couple with a crossbow.

Mr Lawrence, also known as Tony Howarth, is white, around 5ft 10 in tall, with short dark hair and a large build.

A car linked to Mr Lawrence – a blue Vauxhall Mevira – and a crossbow were recovered at the scene and are both being forensically examined.

Police cordoned off the village as the manhunt continues for Mr Lawrence, who has been on the run since the attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent Judi Heaton urged anyone with any information on Mr Lawrence to come forward, but for people not to approach him if he is seen.

“We still have teams in the Southburn area and they will be remaining in that area for the next few days, both as part of the investigation and to provide reassurance for those living and working there,” she said.

“As we’ve said, we don’t believe that Lawrence is a threat to the wider public. This was an isolated incident and he was known to Shane and Laura – they were neighbours.

“However, we don’t know how he will react if challenged, so if you believe you’ve seen him, do not approach him. Call 999 and leave it to us.

“We would welcome any further information from the public.”

Chief Inspector Parsons urged Mr Lawrence to turn himself in to his nearest police station, adding: “Avoiding speaking to us could only make matters worse for you in the long run.”

Police received reports at around 9.20pm on Friday that a couple had been seriously injured in a disturbance at their home. The couple was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary but Mr Gilmer died on Saturday.

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller said: “We are able to confirm that the victim killed in the incident was 30-year-old Shane Gilmer. We are supporting Mr Gilmer’s family during this difficult and sad time.

The investigation to find the person responsible is ongoing.”

Anyone who sees Mr Lawrence is asked to call 999.